Ready in 10 minutes this crunchy Apple Coleslaw is made with simple, fresh ingredients! It is filled with crisp apples and crunchy cabbage with an easy creamy dressing.
2-4teaspoonshoneyUse more if a sweeter dressing is desired
¼teaspoonground pepper
1teaspoononion powder
9-12ounce packagecoleslaw mixI like the kind with multiple colors of cabbage for pops of color, or shred your own, if you want to add purple cabbage, slice or shred ½ cup to add to the mix.
1smallapplecut into matchsticks, use sweet apples like Gala or Crispin, or sweet-tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise (½ cup), apple cider vinegar (2 TBL), honey (2-4 tsps), ground pepper (¼ tsp) and onion powder (1 tsp). Whisk to combine. If a sweeter coleslaw is desired use the higher amount of honey.
Add the coleslaw mix (9-12 ounces) and apples (1 small apple, cut into matchsticks), and toss with tongs to thoroughly mix the contents. Serve immediately or for better flavor refrigerate for 30 or more minutes.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and doubles or triples easily.
Notes
Storage TipsStore this coleslaw recipe in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. It's still just as delicious after the next day. The purple cabbage will bleed into the slaw after the first day, but it doesn't affect the flavor.Can you freeze coleslaw? | Believe it or not, you can freeze coleslaw! Coleslaw made with only a vinegar dressing is best to freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge. If freezing coleslaw with mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, it's best to keep the dressing separate and freeze the coleslaw mix. Variations
Low-Carb Apple Coleslaw (Sugar-Free) | Replace the honey with a sugar-free honey substitute (my favorite brand) or just a sugar substitute; for truly keto coleslaw (around 3 carbs per serving), omit the apple.
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw | Add some dried fruit; raisins, chopped dates or dried cranberries (craisins) to bring holiday vibes.
Apple Coleslaw with an Asian Twist | Make an Asian-inspired coleslaw by using soy sauce, sesame oil, peanuts or cashews to make a crunchy slaw and pieces of tangy mandarin oranges – Yum! Try my healthy Ramen noodle salad recipe.
Healthy Coleslaw Recipe | To make a healthier coleslaw dressing, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Substitutions and Add-Ins
More Tang: Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce.
Cheese: Add crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar.
Protein: Make a well-rounded dish with protein by adding chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits.
Fresh Herbs: Try a handful of chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill.
Spices: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or a little celery seed to pair well with the sweetness of the apples.
Maple Syrup: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
Nuts and Seeds: Bring a crunch to the recipe with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds are also delicious!
Onions: If preferred, swap the onion powder for diced red onion or sliced green onions.
EXPERT TIPS
This can be served immediately, but letting it chill for 30 minutes or more will allow the flavors to meld; you can easily make it several hours before serving.